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17 Feb 2026

Longford MEP insists that 'accessibility must be a habit' at recent TEDx event

Mr Mullooly used Lough Ree's accessible to all efforts in his speech to deliver his impactful message

MEP Ciaran Mullooly

MEP Ciaran Mullooly in the Dean Crowe Theatre

Reporter:

Longford Leader Reporter

17 Feb 2026 3:00 PM

Email:

newsroom@longfordleader.ie

MEP Ciaran Mullooly used the platform of the Midlands’ first-ever TEDx event to deliver a powerful message on accessibility, arguing that inclusion must become embedded in everyday thinking rather than treated as an optional extra.
Speaking at TEDxAthlone in the Dean Crowe Theatre last Thursday, the Lanesborough native drew on the story of the Lough Ree Access for All initiative — a community-led project that transformed access to angling and tourism for people with disabilities along the Shannon.
In a talk that blended personal reflection with public policy, Mr Mullooly traced the origins of the project back to his home village of Ballyleague-Lanesborough and its efforts to make Lough Ree accessible to all.
The initiative led to the creation of Ireland and Britain’s first bespoke wheelchair-accessible passenger vessel, complete with roll-on access, Changing Places facilities and, more recently, a purpose-designed sensory room and virtual reality heritage experience.
Reflecting on the broader lesson of the project, Mr Mullooly told the audience:
“Sometimes those of us who are able in society must show the tenacity and imagination to support those who are not. Accessibility must be a habit, not a virtue.”
The former RTÉ Midlands correspondent said the success of the Access for All initiative demonstrates how grassroots ideas can influence national thinking and shape European policy discussions around cohesion, inclusion and regional development.
TEDxAthlone marked the first time a TEDx platform has been hosted in the Midlands, bringing together speakers from across politics, media, medicine, technology and public life under the theme The Ripple Effect.
Organisers have confirmed that discussions are already underway to build on the success of the inaugural event in the years ahead.
For further information, follow @TEDxAthlone on Instagram.

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